Safety & Compliance

Oklahoma and Missouri Waivers Added to Growing List from FMCSA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended a regional emergency in areas of Oklahoma affected by a series of tornados that hit the area as early as May 18.

The order was originally issued May 21 and is being extended through June 20 or until the emergency is over, whichever is shorter.

The agency says this is the result of interruptions in the availability and/or the delivery and repair of services and property throughout the region and a need for emergency transportation of medical supplies, food, fuel, personnel and other emergency relief.

It provides for exemptions from parts 390 through 399 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, which cover hours-of service and other rules, but only applies to operations providing direct assistance to the emergency relief effort.

Drivers operating under the declaration must have a copy of it with them. It is available from the FMCSA.

Also on Tuesday Missouri announced is granting a waiver of fees for the state International Registration Plan and International Fuel Tax Permits for the purpose of responding to disaster relief efforts in and around the St. Louis area.

Permits are required to be issued and must be carried in vehicles while traveling in the state. More information is available from the Missouri DOT by calling 1-866-831-6277. The waiver is good through July 1.

You can get a rundown on all trucking waivers issued by the FMCSA and the states in response to recent severe weather and other recent incidents by visiting the agency’s website.